Chapter 3
After facing that creature the night before my worldview suddenly shifted. My old life paradigm ruthlessly crushed. Being a voracious reader of fantasy I knew that there could be more to this world. 'There are more things in heaven and earth Horatio' and all of that. I had tried my very best not to think about it, or give it a name.

If I gave it a name, it would be given power. Such thoughts, of course, were now useless. The horror of last night was like a bucket of cold reality. With my old paradigms uncomfortably squashed I headed downstairs to make myself some breakfast.

As I finished making a vegetable omelet, I was not in the least bit surprised when a female voice asked to borrow some sugar. Standing on the other side of the sink a woman in a simple yellow dress gave a curtsy then waited patiently for my reply. Pink hair in this day and age isn't an issue but the fact that she stood only about a foot tall was a dead giveaway she possibly wasn't human.

I have always known that theoretically that Fae or whatever you want to call them could be living under our very noses without anyone the wiser. My collection of books contained enough hints of what was occurring outside my bedroom door that both fascinated me and scared me silly. Did I actually expect that theory to become my reality?

I being a gracious host explained she could, of course, have whatever she likes as long as she cleaned up afterward. I mean how much could a person twelve inches tall eat? With a slight wave, I went into the living room to play on my XBOX. Returning an hour or so later with my dirty dishes I found the kitchen absolutely spotless.

Deciding that it would be best if I should get some fresh air I headed upstairs to change. Now little pixies cleaning our kitchen was a surprise this little tidbit, however, was going to give me nightmares. All of a sudden I found myself going through my sister's clothes. In fact, I had already picked out a couple of cute blouses to try on before I stopped myself. What in the world was happening to me?

Spending the rest of the morning under 'Father Oak' helped me find my center. The rest of the day no longer seemed so intimidating enough so that I decided I was pretty hungry.

Walking about the shopping district, you can find a couple of expensive restaurants, an ice cream shop, a pizza parlor and one of those chain sandwich shops. My destination, however, could only be described as an old world bistro. The 'Nordic' owned by the Elofssons family has been in business for well over fifty years. Scandinavian dishes, as well as typical American fare, grace their menu. They're also known for having the best garden-burger in town.

Sten Elofsson now in his eighties still worked the kitchen, but it was Gerdy who ran the front. She was some sort of cousin to the Elofsson said to have come to the United States to find a husband. Gerdy was very attractive and a really nice person so I doubted she would be single for very long. Since my first visit, Gerdy would personally greet me at the door. I had only eaten at the 'Nordic' a few times but already felt like I was one of the regulars.

Today was no different. Sitting on the patio overlooking the forest in no time at all I was presented with an order of fish balls, potato casserole and a mixture of fresh vegetables. As Gerdy set down a plate of something, I had not seen before I was hit on the side of the head by what can only be described as a big fluffy tail. Looking down I spied a large tail slip quickly beneath Gerdy's long skirt.

She looked mortified. Before Gerdy could apologize, I gave her a smile and explained that no harm was done. With an unhappy sniff, she nodded. Her mood quickly changed as she explained that the new dish was a type of vegetarian Pyttipanna, using Tofu instead of pork. I took a small bite, it was of course delicious.

"Gerdy, could you be a dear and get me a cup of tea."

I leaned over that voice was familiar and found Diana standing a few feet away. Gerdy gave me a worried look. She motioned to another waitress who quickly headed into the kitchen. Gerdy was obviously not leaving me alone with Diana.

"Hi Diana, how are you today." I greeted her while putting down my fork. For some reason, I knew this was not a social visit.

Without answering she took a seat directly across from me. Oddly enough she seemed all business like not quite the Diana I knew. A few uncomfortable moments passed before I reached down picked up my fork and began to work on my Pyttipanna. If she wasn't going to talk I was at least going to finish my lunch.

The arrival of the tea seemed to break the spell. Diana slowly took a sip and without looking up asked for a little privacy.

"It's OK Gerdy, tell Sten that the Pyttipanna was great and I think it would be an excellent addition to your menu."

Diana took another sip of tea while watching the fox tail girl head back into the restaurant. I finally understood that Diana was covering up her nervousness with the tea. Frankly, I was a little tired of it.

"Is your store closed today?"

Diana shook her head. "One of my sisters is currently watching the store." She paused for a moment but before I could say anything continued. "You are quite the enigma, Morgan. You came into my store without asking permission then acted like it was perfectly normal."

"Buying books is a pretty normal thing to do in a bookstore Diana."

She nodded as if that simple explanation was much more than it seemed. "And last night we were given your description as the person who stopped the attacks on those young men. I did not think that you would personally get involved with something like that."

I sat there for a moment in shock. I understood that this was a small town but how did my nightly adventure suddenly become town gossip.

"It was the right thing to do Diana. I was just fortunate enough to be there." No way was I going to explain how the forest called out to me.

"It was the right thing to do." She nodded looking very pleased. "I will say, Morgan, we were all a little concerned about your relationship with Abigail, but your actions have shown your true worth."

"Abigail is my friend."

For the first time since I have known Diana, she gave me an honest smile. "She likes you too Morgan. Now I will let you finish your lunch. Oh before I go, I wanted to tell you that is a cute blouse you are wearing. It matches your eyes perfectly."

++++++

The body that was once Walter Marvin sat quietly in a dark room. It gave no reaction when a white-haired woman collapsed on the couch in front of him. Crawling into a fetal position, she stared into the darkness.

"Long night eh lass?" The body that was once Water Marvin spoke. Although the mouth opened and closed no air was forced from its lungs.

The woman in green shot upwards almost falling off the couch. "Eághan, you're here?"

"Now where would do think I will be?" The voice gave an inhuman chuckle then spoke in an entirely unfriendly way. "Sile you have something you want to tell me?"

Biting her lip, the dark fae looked towards the front door, then nodded. Running away was clearly not an option. "I ran into a small problem last night."

The body that was once Walter Marvin moved inhumanly fast, standing up it plunged its right fist downwards smashing the glass coffee table. Sile pulled her legs towards her chest, her eyes wide opened in terror.

Slowly the body returned to the chair. "A small problem indeed, what I heard Sile is that you went hunting again last night. I permitted you the use of that car so you can drive into the city, but you choose to remain here. Was this on purpose little one, do you choose to defy me? Are you still upset I took you away from that cushy little lifestyle you set up?"

Sile shook her head, "Forgive me, I was overcome with hunger."

"I assume you disposed of the car?"

The white hair girl nodded. "I'm not an idiot. I drove it into a river."

"That remains to be seen, well no matter. I do forgive you. It appears your little misadventure produced some unexpected results. The very creature I have spent considerable time and resources looking for has surfaced."

"I should have grabbed her."

Eá²ghan, once Walter Marvin waved his hand. "Even in her current state, she would have eviscerated you."

Sile looked surprised then shrugged. "So what now, the two of us don't exactly make a Host Eághan."

"Sile your view on life has always been short sited, one meal to the next. I, on the other hand, play the long game. Now let's talk about punishment."

Sile looked confused. "What punishment? I thought you said you forgave me. Anyway, even in that Draug, you possess what are you going to do all the way from the Orkneys."

"Yes, well lass you of all people would know my limitations, at least for now. Your old friend Dunter on the other hand…"

From a dark hallway strode forth a creature with glowing red eyes. Dressed in urban BDUs (Battle Dress Uniform) it leaned an ancient looking pike against the wall. Straightening a blood red cap on his head, the creature gave an evil smile revealing shark-like teeth.

"Dunter let us have nothing permanent shall we, just enough to show our other new arrivals the consequences of my subordinates having a 'small problem.'"

++++++

Sitting in the center of the forest I attempted to get my bearings. No, I wasn't lost. Diana’s visit gained me two things, one was a free lunch.

Gerdy took it personally that my meal was interrupted. I also realized that it didn't bother me that she had a tail. Gerdy was my friend as simple as that. Secondly, some kind of spell or enchantment has been placed on me. What disturbed me the most was walking around town dressed as a girl didn't bother me as much as I thought. The only consolation was that my sister was not very tall and most of her clothes wouldn't fit me anyway.

Not wanting to explain to Rebecca why I was wearing one of Nichole's shirts I headed for home. Walking through the forest, I finally began to relax. It really was a peaceful place. That quickly changed. Upon exiting the woods, a crying woman rushed into my arms. In between tears, she explained that her daughter was missing. Taking the woman by the hand, I escorted her to 'Father Oak.'

As the distraught mom called 911, I reentered the forest.

The woods as peaceful as it appears was no place for a small child much less an unawares adult. Mandy who had just returned from a birthday party had an argument with her mother and in a huff ran off the walking trail.

Although I haven’t has an issue, from what had been explained to me by town’s natives those left the trails would quickly exit close to where they entered. It was an unspoken rule that the park was treated with the utmost respect. Unfortunately, on a rare occasion, someone would disappear.

The reality of the situation bore down upon me. Children did not always fare well in the hands of the fey. The thought of Mandy actually being harmed woke up something in me and suddenly I felt a young girl’s presence. Someone who didn’t belong.

Mandy seemed very close but also very far away. Moving forward the forest began to change. I was still in the same woods, but then again I was not.

A child's laugh caught my attention. Inside a small glade, a young girl in a black and pink party dress skipped and danced around a tree. Moving closer, I could see that the tree was actually a creature covered in green foliage. A picture of Treebeard entered my mind, but I realized the being looked more like a tall green man.

The child stopped dancing as soon as I entered the glade. Suddenly looking very serious for someone eight years old she curtsied. Rising with a giggle, she ran forward.

"I'm Mandy."

I laughed in relief. "Yes, I know."

Looking very sad she explained. "I’m sorry, I got mad at mommy. I didn't mean to run away. She must hate me."

I knelt down and took her by the hand. "No that's not true she is just very worried."

Now face to face Mandy's eyes opened wide in wonder. "You're a very pretty lady."

I smiled. This was obviously not the time to discuss gender identity issues with an eight-year-old. Looking up I thanked the Green Man. With a friendly wave, Mandy and I left the glade.

++++++

Deputy Sheriff Dan Summers took off his hat and wiped his head. Police work was challenging enough without the thought of having to explain to a parent that their child was not going to return home.

Behind him sat Cindy, the forces only female Deputy, and a Mrs. Laura Holms, the mother of the missing child. It was bad enough that her child was missing, how she talked another child into running into the woods to search for her missing daughter he didn't understand. The Deputy was not looking forward to explaining to another set of parents that their daughter would never return.

Both officers felt powerless. There was nothing they could do. Everyone in town knew the dangers of the park. Everyone kept to the paths. It was an unwritten rule. If you entered the forest and got lost no one would come to look for you.

What Deputy Summers always thought interesting was visitors to the town did not remember anything about the forest as soon as they left. Even natives who lived here all their lives would forget as soon as they moved away. It seemed the park took care of itself.

Looking towards Cindy, the two officers nodded. They would remain for a little while longer then reluctantly send Mrs. Holms home. Unhappy that he didn't have the other child's name the Deputy would have to wait until another set of parents filed a missing person report. Perhaps he could talk to them. Deputy Summers felt uneasy in their presence, but they had been helpful on a number of occasions.

Uncomfortable thoughts were soon pushed aside when two figures walked out of the forest. Holding hands the youngest of the pair appeared to be talking up a storm. The second figure obviously a young woman smiled and nodded. Relief poured over both officers as Mrs. Holms ran into her daughter's arms. The pair cried for a moment before Mrs. Holms grabbed the other girl and pulled her into an embrace.

"Morgan?"

The young woman looked surprised then detached herself from the mother and daughter reunion.

"Deputy Sheriff Summers, good to see you again."

For some reason last night this beautiful young girl insisted that she was a boy. He didn't really understand why but Deputy Summers wasn't that much of a curmudgeon to upset the joyful reunion.

"You seemed to be in the right place…again."

Morgan looked embarrassed before she could answer Mrs. Holms embraced her once more thanking the young woman profusely for her daughter's return. The Deputy thought that the young woman handled the situation very well.

Cindy took down their stories and with another tearful embrace mother and daughter headed towards the Library parking lot. Morgan watched the pair for a moment and then she too headed home.
"So what do you think?"

Cindy looked down at her pad, folded it up and slid it into her pocket."“Morgan left a few things out."

"I thought so as well. Still, we should be thankful."

"Dan, I know this sounds a little odd but do you think we should ask her for help if we have another missing person."

Deputy Sheriff Dan Summers frowned as much as he disliked talking to them he needed more information on this young woman.